TOPIC: are we saved by faith alone or do we need to be baptised or do good works as well?
TOPIC: are we saved by faith alone or do we need to be baptised or do good works as well?
What about the thief on the cross beside Jesus as he was being crucified...
Jesus said
Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43
)
Was the thief being crucified ever baptised? I dont think he was. He was going to heaven because he believed in Jesus.
What about the thief on the cross beside Jesus as he was being crucified...
Jesus said
Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43
)
Was the thief being crucified ever baptised? I dont think he was. He was going to heaven because he believed in Jesus.
TOPIC: are we saved by faith alone or do we need to be baptised or do good works as well?
TOPIC: are we saved by faith alone or do we need to be baptised or do good works as well?
What about the thief on the cross beside Jesus as he was being crucified...
Jesus said
Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43
)
Was the thief being crucified ever baptised? I dont think he was. He was going to heaven because he believed in Jesus.
The scriptures (the book of James, for example) are quite clear that works are required of Christians, that not doing the works God has intended for you is sin, and sin seperates us from God and if not atoned for will lead to eternal damnation.
The language you have used here is quite misleading, and would seem to signal a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of faith and works.
Faith is never alone because a person who has faith will have works. If he has no works, faith does not exist.TOPIC: are we saved by faith alone or do we need to be baptised or do good works as well?
Baptism by water is a public profession of faith, should be done, but it does not give you salvation.
Faith is never alone because a person who has faith will have works. If he has no works, faith does not exist.
In short: Faith is a work. It is our response to God.But the crux of the matter is: What saves? Faith (which everyone agree MUST be there), or our works?
There are no works through which man can be "justified" other than those of Jesus Christ. But, believing is an action of man which is spurred by the Holy Spirit. We cannot believe without God helping us. Man cannot justify himself through works of the law. Doing what is right means nothing because we will always do something wrong, thus we need Jesus to complete the works which lead to justification for us.In short: Can we add anything to Jesus' atonement for our sins, or was His atonement sufficient? THIS is what it's about.